The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program is dedicated to environmental conservation through acquisition of green space as well as the protection and enhancement of river and stream corridors.
This competitive grant program assists local communities as well as environmental and watershed related nonprofit organizations with funding for the preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and riparian corridors. Cuyahoga County has approximately $3.46 million for FY 2026 (Round 20).
Announcements
- Application Materials for FY 2026/Round 20 are now available.
- The presentation slide deck for the FY 2026 Applicant Workshop is available.
- The deadline to submit for Requests for County Council Resolutions of Support is April 21, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
- The deadline to submit a Clean Ohio Application is June 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
Fiscal Year 2026/Round 20 Submitted Applications
Four applications were submitted to the Natural Resources Assistance Council for the current round of Clean Ohio funding, including two greenspace acquisition projects, and two riparian corridor projects. The total requested amount is $7.5 million.
- Headwaters Preserve, submitted by Orange Village (Greenspace acquisition)
This project would acquire and permanently protect approximately 35 acres of land along the drainage divide between the Chagrin River and Cuyahoga River watersheds in Orange Village. The property’s high-quality forest and wetland habitats would be protected with Clean Ohio deed restrictions, and would benefit water quality and secure critical habitat for state-listed bat and bird species documented on site. Future plans for the property include trail construction for passive public access. - Headwaters Connector Greenway, submitted by West Creek Conservancy (Greenspace acquisition)
This greenway would acquire and permanently protect approximately 58 acres of land along an unused rail corridor in the city of Solon. The greenway would link existing protected natural areas, green spaces, and other public amenities. It would also provide migratory and foraging habitat for numerous species. The project would feature protection of mature, native tree canopy as well as ecological restoration, including invasive species management and reforestation. Following restoration, it will be accessible to the public for passive recreation. - Cahoon Creek Coastal Riparian Corridor Enhancement Project, submitted by Bay Village (Riparian corridor)
This project would address severe erosion and habitat degradation where Cahoon Creek meets Lake Erie. Using nature-based solutions, the project would stabilize approximately 700 feet of eroding Lake Erie shoreline and 400 feet of the Cahoon Creek riparian corridor. Work would include bluff regrading, in-stream habitat creation, and native plantings to improve water quality and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife. The project would create new, inclusive public access where it is currently limited and unsafe. - Euclid Beach Connector Trail, submitted by Cuyahoga County (Riparian corridor)
The Euclid Beach Connector Trail Project would transform 3,300 lineal feet of shoreline into an amenity that supports new public access and a more resilient, ecologically responsive habitat. This project would remove shoreline debris, stabilize the eroding bluff, enhance the natural beach habitat. It would also feature a paved, all-purpose trail, which would would connect residents to community amenities, eventually connecting to an existing trail in the Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Beach Reservation.
Application Materials & Resources
NRAC Materials
- Policy Manual
- Applicant Manual
- Application Supplement
- Request for County Council Resolution of Support
- Cuyahoga County Greenprint Explorer
OPWC Materials
Schedule
Applicant Workshop
About the Clean Ohio Program
As with the State Infrastructure Programs, District One consists of Cuyahoga County and the Natural Resource Assistance Council (NRAC) oversees the Clean Ohio Conservation program in Cuyahoga County. Through an Administrative Services Agreement, County Planning assists the NRAC in implementing the annual program and distributes funds to local communities and nonprofit organizations to protect open space and riparian corridors.
- Recommending a Project Selection and Evaluation Methodology.
- Preparing Application Materials.
- Reviewing and scoring the submitted applications for further review and final recommendation by the DOPWIC.
- Preparing and submitting the projects recommended for funding.
For more information on the Clean Ohio Conservation Program, visit the Ohio Public Works Commission.